On Outdoors: Park District gets kids hooked on fishing

The Rockford Park District is making it possible for kids to discover fishing this summer with two new programs.

The Get Hooked fishing clinic is a four-week event taught by local pro Robert Leonard. Open to kids 8 to 14, instructional sessions will cover casting, knot-tying and baiting the hook. Leonard will also assist participants in catching panfish, bass and catfish.

The program begins Wednesday, June 30. Sessions run from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Participants must provide their own hat, sunglasses, water bottle and fishing pole. Bait and tackle will be provided. Registration must be completed by June 25. The program is limited to 20 registrants. Cost is $30 for residents and $45 for non-residents.

Fish Fest 2010 is also new to the Rockford Park District schedule of summer events. Kids ages 5 to 14 will be taught hands-on fishing techniques to help them reel in fish within minutes. The Saturday, June 26, event is aimed at promoting family fishing memories and introducing kids to the sport. Pre-registered kids will be provided with a fishing pole. Kids must be accompanied by an adult. Fish Fest 2010 is free and sponsored by Gander Mountain, Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Rockfordfishing.com. The event runs from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Both programs will be at the Ponds at Sportscore One, 1288 Elmwood Road, Rockford.

Outdoors news and photos can be sent directly to Jim Hagerty at jim.hagerty@rockrivertimes.com. Glossies and hard-copy press kits can be mailed or delivered to The Rock River Times’ office at 128 N. Church St., Rockford, IL 61101. Jim can be reached at (815) 964-9767.

From the April 21-27, 2010 issue

By Jim Hagerty

Staff Writer

The Rockford Park District is making it possible for kids to discover fishing this summer with two new programs.

The Get Hooked fishing clinic is a four-week event taught by local pro Robert Leonard. Open to kids 8 to 14, instructional sessions will cover casting, knot-tying and baiting the hook. Leonard will also assist participants in catching panfish, bass and catfish.

The program begins Wednesday, June 30. Sessions run from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Participants must provide their own hat, sunglasses, water bottle and fishing pole. Bait and tackle will be provided. Registration must be completed by June 25. The program is limited to 20 registrants. Cost is $30 for residents and $45 for non-residents.

Fish Fest 2010 is also new to the Rockford Park District schedule of summer events. Kids ages 5 to 14 will be taught hands-on fishing techniques to help them reel in fish within minutes. The Saturday, June 26, event is aimed at promoting family fishing memories and introducing kids to the sport. Pre-registered kids will be provided with a fishing pole. Kids must be accompanied by an adult. Fish Fest 2010 is free and sponsored by Gander Mountain, Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Rockfordfishing.com. The event runs from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Both programs will be at the Ponds at Sportscore One, 1288 Elmwood Road, Rockford.

Interested youth can register at either Park District customer service locations or at rockfordfordparkdistrict.org.

Outdoors news and photos can be sent directly to Jim Hagerty at jim.hagerty@rockrivertimes.com. Glossies and hard-copy press kits can be mailed or delivered to The Rock River Times’ office at 128 N. Church St., Rockford, IL 61101. Jim can be reached at (815) 964-9767.